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On the effect of an acoustic diffuser in comparison with an
absorber on the subjectively perceived quality of speech in a meeting
room.
Sanavi A., Schäffer B., Heutschi K. &
Eggenschwiler K. , Laboratory for Acoustics / Noise Control,
Empa Materials Science
and Technology, CH-8600 Duebendorf, Switzerland
Acta Acustica United with Acustica, 103(6), 1037-1049 (2018).
Abstract:
Acoustic diffusers and absorbers are important components in room
acoustic design and treatments to control unwanted reflections or to
increase sound diffuseness, both of which may enhance subjectively
perceived sound quality. To date, little is known about whether the
treatment with diffusers or absorbers is more favorable for the
subjectively perceived qualities, e.g. of speech, in ordinary rooms.
The aim of this study was therefore twofold. The first aim was to
investigate the effect of an acoustic diffuser on the subjectively
perceived quality of speech in a meeting room. The second aim was to
determine if and to what extent there are perceptual differences if the
diffuser is replaced by an acoustic absorber. Two separate listening
tests were performed with stimuli obtained from the convolution of
measured binaural impulse responses of a meeting room with excellent
speech intelligibility and speech samples recorded in an anechoic
chamber. The results of the listening tests confirm that despite the
already excellent speech intelligibility and low values of early decay
time, speech quality can be further improved by introducing diffusers
or acoustic absorbers, with absorbers improving the subjectively
perceived speech quality slightly more than the diffusers.
Kurt
Eggenschwiler
EMPA
Abteilung Akustik
Überlandstrasse 129
CH-8600 Dübendorf
Tel. +41 44 823 41 77
Fax. +41 44 823 47 93
E-Mail: kurt.eggenschwiler@empa.ch